Schools That Rock asked a few questions to Alyssa Filander, Head Girl and Jordan Matroos Head Boy of Westering High School, Port Elizabeth.
Question: What do you look forward to most when the 2021 school year starts?
Alyssa: I’m very excited for my final year. I am finally in matric and it felt like just the other day when I started grade 8 in 2017. I am also beyond excited that sports will slowly but surely be opening up again. We can hopefully have Derby Days etc.
Jordan: I’m looking forward to strengthening the connections we’ve made over the past few years. I also foresee sleepless nights spend, studying and helping each other. I almost feel like Jack from “Titanic”, as I’m at the front end of this ship without any knowledge of what lies ahead. However, I am fearless in the face of the unknown, mixed with the excitement of a six-year-old watching Barney for the first time.
Question: Are there any changes or adjustments you would like to see happen at Westering High School?
Alyssa: We must continue to keep the lines of communication open, between staff, parents and learners of the school, especially now when things change all the time. We should also continue to do everything that we can to reach all learners, online and offline.
Jordan: I would like to see us grow as individuals as well as in groups. As a pupil I would like to be able to depend on my peers for assistance where needed.
Question: If you had to make a statement to convince someone that your school is the right choice, what would that statement be?
Alyssa: At Westering High School, we have a wide variety of activities, including sport, culture, pastoral and service. Each person can find what they love and participate in that activity. When there are complaints raised, the school actually listens and they do their best to better the school for everyone.
Jordan: Westering High is a community-based school. We focus on specialist education to cater for the needs of everyone. We care about people.
Question: Which sport activity offered at your school is your favourite?
Alyssa: I play both hockey and tennis, but hockey is my ultimate passion and by far my favourite sport to play.
Jordan: I must say I cannot isolate one sport individually, as each game has its own character and ‘vibe’. I love being involved in all sporting activities at our school, even if it is as a spectator.
Question: What is your favourite meal?
Alyssa: I always struggle to answer this one because there are so many great meals I like, but pasta is my favourite. My favourite fast-food meal will have to be the ‘All Star box meal’ at KFC.
Jordan: Breyani
Question: Which career choices are you considering after school?
Alyssa: I’m looking at studying in the Accounting field, so I’m planning to study BCom Accounting next year and hopefully one day become a chartered accountant.
Jordan: I would like to become an entrepreneur and specialise in the field of Business Administration.
Question: Which university do you want to attend next year?
Alyssa: I’m looking at studying in Johannesburg, either at Wits (University of the Witwatersrand) or UJ (University of Johannesburg). I also want to continue my hockey career while studying, and both universities have good hockey prospects.
Jordan: I will apply all over South Africa, but I would preferably love to be close to home.
Question: Do you have a message for your fellow pupils for 2021?
Alyssa: All I would like to say is keep your head lifted high. We don’t know what the year ahead is going to bring us due to Covid, but if we stay focused on what we want to achieve, we can achieve it in the end. Hard work does pay off, so aim to be the best student you can possibly be.
Jordan: Enjoy school while you can, as growing up is scary. Since I got my Grade 11 report, I’ve come to realise how many times I’ve wanted my schooling career to end. However, now that Grade 12 is finally here, I am pondering on all I haven’t achieved yet. Make the most of it, because it passes by so quickly!